Where the music plays in Boone and Blowing Rock

Is there anything better than sitting out on a pleasant summer night, breathing the fresh mountain air and holding a cold drink while listening to a band cover your favorite songs?

The good news is that in the summer in the Blowing Rock/Boone area, you have plenty of chances to listen to live music, both indoors and out.

The Inn at Ragged Gardens’ Friday “Music on the Lawn” is a favorite in Blowing Rock, with half the crowd enjoying the tunes in lawn chairs while the other half congregates closer to the open-air bar.

Throughout the region, restaurants, breweries and wineries provide plenty of chances to chill out to some tunes.

Here’s where you can find live music every week (check with each venue to confirm before heading there, as schedules change):

◼️ Banner Elk Concert Series: A free summer concert series at Tate-Evans Town Park Amphitheater in Banner Elk. Local and regional bands play everything from classic rock to soul and funk. Food trucks and drink stands on site, or bring your own.

Live music: Thursdays, June 25 – August 13, 6:30 p.m. More info.

◼️ Blind Elk Tap Room: Banner Elk's go-to craft beer spot, with an impressive rotating tap list, Prosecco on tap, wine by the glass, and plenty more to choose from. Live music most weekends. 

Live music: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (times vary — more info) 

◼️ 5506' at Beech Mountain Resort: Take a scenic chairlift ride to the highest bar in Eastern America for free live music every Saturday afternoon all summer long. Panoramic mountain views, a full bar, and Mexican food from Claudia's at the summit, a pretty hard combination to beat. 

Live music: Saturdays 2:30–5:30pm (lift ticket required to access) 

◼️ Blowing Rock Ale House: Blowing Rock Ale House is a casual downtown gathering spot known for its beer selection, pub-style food and outdoor patio.

Free live music: Sundays 2-5 p.m. More info.

◼️ Inn at Ragged Gardens: “Music on the Lawn" is Blowing Rock's favorite free outdoor concert series, drawing crowds in the hundreds to the inn's beautiful grounds each Friday all summer. A different local act every week, plus a cash bar and lawn menu. Bring a chair and arrive early.

Free live music: Fridays May to September, 5:30–8:30 p.m. More info. 

◼️ Speckled Trout: One of Blowing Rock's best-known dinner spots, with a local, easygoing vibe and some of the High Country's best live music at the bar. Grab a seat at the bar or one of the high-top tables to be close to the music. 

Free live music: Thursdays 6-8 p.m., Sundays 12:30–3 p.m. More info.

◼️ Town Tavern: A great spot in Blowing Rock for wings, cold beer, sports on TV and live music four nights a week. 

Free live music: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m., Fridays at 9 p.m., Sundays at 4 p.m. (early shows on the patio). More info.

◼️ Appalachian Mountain Brewery: A Boone staple with a great outdoor space, cold craft beer, and a steady lineup of live music most Friday nights. A reliable spot to catch local and regional acts in a relaxed setting. 

Live music: Most Fridays 6-9 p.m. More info.

◼️ The Beacon: An upscale Boone restaurant on N.C. 105 serving seasonal, locally sourced Italian-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails.

Live music: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8 p.m. More info.

◼️ Boone Saloon: A downtown bar anchored by a 25-foot live-edge white oak bar, with a stage for live music, a covered outdoor deck, and a GameChanger Arcade.

Live music: Many days of the week (check site for dates and times) 

◼️ Booneshine Brewing: A popular Boone craft brewery with a great outdoor space, wooden tables and a stage that comes alive every Friday night. Grab a local brew and settle in.

Live music: Fridays at 7 p.m. More info.

◼️ Lost Province Brewing: A laid-back brewpub with wood-fired pizza and house-brewed beer, booking Americana, bluegrass, folk and more from musicians with N.C. and Appalachian roots. A great spot for families and beer lovers alike. It gets busy, especially on weekends. 

Live music: Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. More info. 

◼️ Music in the Valle: A beloved summer concert series featuring local and regional musicians every Friday from 6 p.m. to dusk, all summer long. It’s in Valle Crucis Community Park, next to the Mast General Store Annex. Bring a chair and enjoy the mountain setting. Suggested donation $5 per person or $10 per family.

 Live music: Fridays, June 5 – September 4, 6 p.m. More info.

We looked closer at wineries last week. But they all have music regularly.

◼️ Banner Elk Winery: Live music: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 p.m. More info.

◼️ Eagles Nest Winery: Open Mic: Thursdays 6-9 p.m., live music Fridays 6-9 p.m. More info.

◼️ Grandfather Vineyards: Live Music: Mondays-Saturdays at 2 p.m., Sundays at 12:30 or 1 p.m. More info.

◼️ Linville Falls Winery: Live music: Thursdays-Sundays 2–5 p.m., June–September. More info.

◼️ Mill Camp Wines & Ciders: Live music: Occasional Saturdays and Sundays. Check schedule — more info.

—Compiled by Matthew Mecia

➡️ Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Drop us a line and let us know, and we’ll include it.